Research Analyst, Hate Crimes - Nyc (Cri_ Nyc_ Rsa/Hc_6288)

Qualifications for the Research Analyst position include the following:

• Excellent research, analytic, organization, communication (verbal and written) and presentation skills are necessary;
• Strong technology skills are preferred, including using MS Access and Excel to manage large data sets, proficiency with Lexis/Nexis or similar research databases, conducting strategic internet searches and preserving webpages and using presentation software such as PowerPoint;
• A bachelor’s degree is required. The candidate must be familiar with public policy, racial justice, human rights or criminal justice through course study or work experience. Prior work experience with state or federal courts or New York government is a plus;
• Data visualization and data analytic skills, prior experience using e-discovery platforms and proficiency in languages other than English are all pluses; and
• Knowledge of database concepts and proficiency at maintaining and querying databases;
• Candidates should also have an understanding of the issues and politics surrounding hate crimes and racial justice. A connection to the organizations and coalitions currently working on these issues is a plus;
• One to three years of demonstrated experience in data analysis and visualization is also desirable.
• The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, proactive and self-directed, with effective time management skills and adept at learning and assimilating new and complex information; and
• The candidate must be able to communicate and collaborate effectively with all levels of staff and external partners and stakeholders;

Duties Description

The Office of the New York State Attorney General (OAG) is seeking a talented and motivated professional for the position of Research Analyst, Hate Crimes. The Research Analyst will provide investigative and legal support, conduct policy analysis and support community outreach and education efforts. This position will be based in New York City and report to the Hate Crimes Unit of the Civil Rights Bureau.

The Hate Crimes Unit enforces civil laws that protect New Yorkers from bias based violence and intimidation related to race, color, national origin, ancestry, gender, religion, religious practice, age, disability or sexual orientation, and works on issues related to civil rights and technology. Additionally, the Hate Crimes Unit develops strategies to combat hate crimes and hate groups through public education, outreach, litigation and policy work.

The duties of the Research Analyst will include, but not be limited, to the following:

Investigative & Legal Support Functions

• Analyzing data from large data sets, including from pulls of publicly available information;
• Collecting, cleansing and formatting large quantities of data, including from publicly available social media API sources, websites, PDFs and other difficult-to-access sources;
• Analyzing incoming intelligence to identify misconduct and opportunities for enforcement;
• Developing metrics, statistics and other tracking methods to measure, assess and archive this data;
• Converting complex data into easily comprehensible reports, PowerPoint presentations and other data visualizations to identify investigation targets and for litigation purposes;
• Presenting findings and recommendations to Civil Rights Bureau staff, including participating in Bureau strategy meetings; and, as needed,
• Interface with other Bureaus, including the Research and Analytics Department, to construct and maintain databases and other data analytics tools.
• Drafting subpoenas, reviewing documents, reviewing case footage, processing documents turned over during discovery, preparing demonstrative exhibits and aiding attorneys in court proceedings.
• Creating and maintaining databases and constructing complex database queries;
• Assisting with the intake of information regarding suspected hate crimes from various channels/sources including complaints, tips, referrals, independent research and news and social media;

Policy Analysis, Community Outreach, & Public Education Functions

• Fostering productive relationships with organizations, public officials, law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders;
• Attending and coordinating meetings, visits and other outreach events;
• Working collaboratively with Civil Rights Bureau attorneys and legal support staff to execute the Bureau’s mission.
• Preparing fact sheets, talking points, educational resources, presentations and other materials;
• Remaining current on local and national news and state and federal legislation relating to hate crimes and racial justice, including flagging emerging trends and issues for Civil Rights Bureau staff;
• Coordinating, as needed, with the OAG’s Communications, Intergovernmental Affairs and Policy & Legislative teams to provide information and support for related priorities, initiatives and outreach strategies; and

Additional Comments